ABSTRACT

Mucocele of the appendix, as a rare disease, is defined as cystic dilatation filled with mucinous material. Underlying pathology differs in a wide range and preoperative diagnosis is very difficult in most of the time. Surgical resection either by appendectomy or right hemicolectomy is accepted as treatment modality. In comparison to open approach, safety and feasiblity of laparoscopic approach has not been shown in detail.

This report describes a case of mucocele of the appendix treated by laparoscopic appendectomy.

A 33-year-old male patient was admitted with a complaint of dull right lower quadrant pain that had persisted for 10 days. Imaging evaluation revealed a tubular-cystic structure arising from the cecum. With a diagnosis of mucocele of the appendix, laparoscopic exploration followed by appendectomy was performed. He was discharged at the second postoperative day without any complaint. Pathology showed an appendiceal mucinous cystadenoma.

Appendiceal cystic tumors can be removed safely in appropriate cases via laparoscopic approach avoiding intraperitoneal rupture and dissemination.